Owen went down to patch up the broken straps, while Dale continued to hunt for the missing things. As the younger of the two had said, the storm was increasing, and both felt that the troubles of the trip were by no means at an end.
CHAPTER XI
SPRINGTIME IN THE CAMP
When Owen returned with the horses, Dale had found everything but a bag of shot that had been resting in the back end of the sleigh when the catastrophe occurred.
"I can't find the shot anywhere," he said. "It was so heavy that it has sunk clear out of sight."
"Well, we can't waste time here," was Owen's reply. "Come, help me hitch up the team and we'll be on our way."
They were soon ready to move, and then came the task of getting the turnout back to the road at the top of the hollow. Before making the start Owen tested the ground and the snow in several directions with a stick.
"We'll try it this way," he said, pointing out the course. "You take hold of Billy and I'll try to handle Daisy."
With some misgivings, the start was made. The horses lurched and plunged, and the sleigh creaked and groaned as if ready to go to pieces then and there.